The Best St. Patrick’s Day 2014 Celebrations For Families

Green-clad kiddos can enjoy a variety of the best celebrations New York has to offer, including musical performances, crafting leprechaun hats or good luck charms, nabbing free literature, and learning to Irish step dance.

One of the most festive holidays of the year, St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to get out and about with the family. Don’t miss out on the following events!

Wednesday, March 12

FunikiJam SHENANiGANSThis FunikiJam concert is a great way to teach kids the musical culture of Ireland. The group’s SHENANiGANS national tour has gotten rave reviews, and their upcoming performance at Raising Astoria is a perfect way to get a jump start on St. Patty’s celebrations. 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Friday, March 14

Brooklyn Children’s MuseumBrooklynites and beyond are in luck this year! The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration filled with a special blend of Irish traditions, foods, crafts, and other fun festivities. 11:30 am and 2:30 pm

Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15

Children’s Museum of Manhattan The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting a weekend of Irish-themed activities in honor of the holiday. For younger kids, CMOM’s Little Artists program encourages participants to create their own wearable Luck o’ The Green Leprechaun Hats, while Irish step dance instructors Melissa Padham and Darrah Carr will teach families the tricks of fancy footwork. Various times

Saturday, March 15

Sony Wonder Technology LabThe Sony Wonder Technology Lab is hosting a festive crafting workshop, Luck of the Charms, in honor of the green-themed day! Kiddos will make their own bracelet and necklace beads, in shapes like shamrocks and pots of gold, out of modeling clay. After the session, children can bring their unique piece of jewelry home as good luck charms. 12 pm to 1 pm

Saturday, March 15 & Sunday, March 16

Big Onion Walking ToursEver wonder why St. Patrick’s Day is more popular in the United States than in Ireland? This Big Onion Walking Tour will attempt to answer this question and then some, covering various historical and cultural topics. The family-friendly tour will stop in spots around “Little Ireland” including Al Smith’s home, Tammany Hall, and the Five Points. Saturday at 1 pm, Sunday at 12 pm

Sunday, March 16 (and Friday, March 21)

Merchant’s House MuseumThis historical museum presents families with a celebration like no other. Entitled A Tribute to the Tredwells’ Irish Servants, the program will educate families on the rich history of the four servants’ lifestyles, including their quarters and daily tasks. Another notable offering includes a “Spirits of the Irish” Candlelight Ghost Tour the following Friday, which might be scary for children (and a few parents as well). Various times

Monday, March 17

Irish Arts CenterStarting at the crack of dawn, the Irish Arts Center is hosting their annual Book Day to celebrate St. Patty’s all across the five boroughs. At this literary occasion, volunteers at various locations will hand out free books to families, school children, and more to promote Irish culture and literature. 7 am until books run out

Sober St. Patrick’s DayMany parties for this holiday involve heavy drinking, but the Sober St. Patrick’s Day event is a family-friendly, alcohol-free place to take your kids. Some highlights from the program include musical, dance, and comedy performances from artists all the way from Ireland! 4 pm to 7:30 pm

St. Patrick’s Day ParadeNew York’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the ultimate holiday celebration. Featuring green concessions like bagels and beer, bagpipers, marching bands, and much more, the Fifth Avenue parade is a huge event every family must see! 11 am to 4:30 or 5 pm